Are the Avs tanking it? Some people think so

Riding down the elevator tonight, after the latest dismal Avs showing against Phoenix, a Coyotes team official said out loud, “The tank job is in, isn’t it?” He was talking about YOUR Colorado Avalanche.

Serious or not, what the unnamed Phoenix official said is what a couple of other league-related people have also mused lately – the possibility that the Avs are, in fact, tanking it down the stretch to get the highest possible draft choice this June.

Hey, as I said in a previous column, losing every game down the stretch would be a great thing for this team. There is absolutely nothing good that can come out of the Avalanche winning any games down the stretch, and everything potentially good that can come from the worst possible finish.

But let’s put aside the argument for a second about whether it’s morally right to pull a tank job, and just acknowledge the fact that it’s becoming more and more amazing at how many injuries are befalling the Avs down the stretch. Tonight, it was Ryan Smyth who got hurt, and a couple of Avs insiders said he might have a broken hand and is definitely out the rest of the season.

Now, I’ll state for the record: I don’t believe the Avs are or would ever intentionally lose games. It would mean instant, permanent infamy for anybody involved who got caught (hello, 1919 Chicago White Sox) and create a scandal of epic proportions. But that’s not going to stop guys like the Coyotes official from thinking the Avs are tanking it, to get a better draft pick.

In the Avs’ defense about all the sudden injuries: if you think they are inventing injuries, what were they doing, then, in the playoffs last year? They were tanking it in the playoffs, too? They had just as big an injury siege as now, and were playing for the right to advance to a Stanley Cup.

Yeah, maybe some of these currently sidelined players might be playing if this were an actual playoff race, but if the Avs are guilty of keeping some guys out because nothing matters anymore, then lots of teams have been guilty of that.

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Other items:
– The Avs’ flight home the other night from Anaheim apparently was one that would have had anybody nervous about flying (my arm raised here) puking in their seats.
Avs PR czar Jean Martineau said it was the scariest flight he’s ever had with the team, and that’s a lot of flights. The turbulence coming over the mountains had people in the plane feeling like they were clothes in a spinning dryer.
I know of quite a few players who are really afraid of flying, and it can affect their careers. One of the worst was Wayne Gretzky, who was so afraid of planes early in his career that he would always drive from Edmonton to Calgary and back for games, rather than take the roughly 40 minute flight.
Gretzky apparently got over much of his fear after sitting with the pilots at times and learning more about what goes on in a plane and what turbulence means, etc.
I know I can get very religious at times on an airplane. When it starts bouncing around real bad, I bury my face in my hands, grip the arm rests and start running through a mental checklist to keep me from jumping up in my seat and yelling We’re all gonna die! – and believe me, that’s what I have felt like doing a few times.

I always keep telling myself We’re not hitting brick walls here, it’s just air. These pilots have practiced this stuff a million times. It’s a long way down still. Look at that guy over there, he’s still READING his book. He’s not fazed at all, we’re gonna be FINE.”

And, after hundreds of flights all these years, my planes have touched down just fine every single time. The safety statistics of flying vs. every other form of travel are staggering; it’s MUCH safer to fly than to be in a car or anything else.

But I still think we’re all gonna die at least once every couple of flights.

– – – – – – – – – – –

I think Joe Sakic is going to retire.

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April 14 is the only day that really matters in the next month for the Avs. That’s the day they’ll find out their place in the June draft. Keep in mind teams can fall no more than one spot from where they finish in the regular season. So, even if the Avs finish 28th, they’ll still be guaranteed, at worst, the No. 4 pick.

Explain this organizational thinking. Most agree that both goalies will not be here next year.

Why would they announce that in the mean time the AHL goalies will not get a call up? What a careless statement.

Weiman and Bacashihua have stood on their heads and kept them in a play off chase until 4 games left in the season.

The past month the organization has pulled the top 7 defensemen from Lake Erie and they were replaced by ECHL, college and now junior players. Despite that handicapped defense these 2 goalies continued to win.

It is a real travasity in how these to Lake Erie players have been treated. They both should be playing in every Aves game since 2 weeks ago.

Explain this organizational thinking. Most agree that both goalies will not be here next year.

Why would they announce that in the mean time the AHL goalies will not get a call up? What a careless statement.

Weiman and Bacashihua have stood on their heads and kept them in a play off chase until 4 games left in the season.

The past month the organization has pulled the top 7 defensemen from Lake Erie and they were replaced by ECHL, college and now junior players. Despite that handicapped defense these 2 goalies continued to win.

It is a real travasity in how these to Lake Erie players have been treated. They both should be playing in every Aves game since 2 weeks ago.

I’m not sure how to do the pingback thing that other bloggers do. If anyone knows, can you repost and tell me how?

Drizzt

ZZzZZzZzz – for Petes sake – don’t write an article raising awareness about tanking, when you previously have stated you think everything we SHOULD do right now is tank !

What are you AD?

Get in the press box mate, and ask TG some real questions. All I heard for 4+ minutes is the “potential” return of Joe Sakic. What….eveeeeeer.

No wonder we are a pack of bums, when you “media gurus” sugar coat the GM and coach.

You then bring out blogs about FG saying all these problems are the economy, and blogs about FG and TG telling the fans, “they can want what they want, but it’s too bad” quotes.

Please don’t patronize us like Giguere does please. This blog is a slap in the face to all your fans AD.

Drizzt

ZZzZZzZzz – for Petes sake – don’t write an article raising awareness about tanking, when you previously have stated you think everything we SHOULD do right now is tank !

What are you AD?

Get in the press box mate, and ask TG some real questions. All I heard for 4+ minutes is the “potential” return of Joe Sakic. What….eveeeeeer.

No wonder we are a pack of bums, when you “media gurus” sugar coat the GM and coach.

You then bring out blogs about FG saying all these problems are the economy, and blogs about FG and TG telling the fans, “they can want what they want, but it’s too bad” quotes.

Please don’t patronize us like Giguere does please. This blog is a slap in the face to all your fans AD.

al

Dude. I’m terrified to fly. Every flight for me is a white-knuckle experience. Thank goodness for pre- and in-flight alcohol.

al

Dude. I’m terrified to fly. Every flight for me is a white-knuckle experience. Thank goodness for pre- and in-flight alcohol.

Todd

I don’t think that most professional athletes have it in them to intentionally lose. They are too competitive. On any given night, winning is a lot more fun than losing. But they certainly don’t have that extra adrenaline and sense of urgency that comes along with a playoff race. Nor do they have many NHL caliber players on the ice these days. I think that management has to make decisions based on what’s best for the future of the team, which means sitting players that are only slightly nicked so they don’t get injured worse. It also means taking a look at some younger guys and giving them a chance to experience NHL hockey. Is it fun to watch? Nope. In fact, it’s painful. Can you blame people for thinking that they’re trying to lose? Nope, because until you actually put some thought into it, it sure looks that way from a distance. I only wish the Islanders had done their part last night.

Todd

I don’t think that most professional athletes have it in them to intentionally lose. They are too competitive. On any given night, winning is a lot more fun than losing. But they certainly don’t have that extra adrenaline and sense of urgency that comes along with a playoff race. Nor do they have many NHL caliber players on the ice these days. I think that management has to make decisions based on what’s best for the future of the team, which means sitting players that are only slightly nicked so they don’t get injured worse. It also means taking a look at some younger guys and giving them a chance to experience NHL hockey. Is it fun to watch? Nope. In fact, it’s painful. Can you blame people for thinking that they’re trying to lose? Nope, because until you actually put some thought into it, it sure looks that way from a distance. I only wish the Islanders had done their part last night.

Eric

It was obvious that the tanking job started last summer with the hiring of Granato and when they signed Raycroft and Tucker and let go of Brunette and Theodore. So obvious that I didnt renew my NHL center ice for the 1st time in 8 years. And the fact that Giguere and Granato still have their jobs is another proof that the team has gave up on this season.

Eric

It was obvious that the tanking job started last summer with the hiring of Granato and when they signed Raycroft and Tucker and let go of Brunette and Theodore. So obvious that I didnt renew my NHL center ice for the 1st time in 8 years. And the fact that Giguere and Granato still have their jobs is another proof that the team has gave up on this season.

Jeru1975

Even though its been discussed at length here on the blog, I have a really hard time believing that the team is ACTUALLY tanking. The injuries are coming like a tsunami and sure, maybe some players out could actually play but why risk worsening an injury when there is nothing to play for? Why risk aggravating an injury this year when it could affect your play next year? I completely agree with playing it safe and keeping players out.

Is this tanking? Absoulutely not! I think the comments made by the Phoenix official are off the cuff remarks because they don’t completely understand why the Avs are as bad as they are. As someone said, a little more thought is needed if you are going to decide the Avs are tanking the season and I just don’t think that’s the case.

Personally, I don’t mind them losing but as it happens, there is a slight pain in my gut that comes along with feeling this way. Even though the outcome will be worth it, it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.

Here’s to putting your head down and waiting for the season to end.

Jeru1975

Even though its been discussed at length here on the blog, I have a really hard time believing that the team is ACTUALLY tanking. The injuries are coming like a tsunami and sure, maybe some players out could actually play but why risk worsening an injury when there is nothing to play for? Why risk aggravating an injury this year when it could affect your play next year? I completely agree with playing it safe and keeping players out.

Is this tanking? Absoulutely not! I think the comments made by the Phoenix official are off the cuff remarks because they don’t completely understand why the Avs are as bad as they are. As someone said, a little more thought is needed if you are going to decide the Avs are tanking the season and I just don’t think that’s the case.

Personally, I don’t mind them losing but as it happens, there is a slight pain in my gut that comes along with feeling this way. Even though the outcome will be worth it, it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.

Here’s to putting your head down and waiting for the season to end.

FATS Thomas

Of course the Avs are tanking it. You said it yourself AD, if they lose every game for the rest of the season it would be the best situation. If they won one game there is nothing good that can come of winning. The players still get their money, F.G. still gets his salary directly deposited in his bank account. What does it matter if they tank it and lose or actually try to win, but lose? Lets just hope the lottery pick is kind to us this summer.

FATS Thomas

Of course the Avs are tanking it. You said it yourself AD, if they lose every game for the rest of the season it would be the best situation. If they won one game there is nothing good that can come of winning. The players still get their money, F.G. still gets his salary directly deposited in his bank account. What does it matter if they tank it and lose or actually try to win, but lose? Lets just hope the lottery pick is kind to us this summer.

whiteice

It’s already been explained why the Avs aren’t pulling up the goalies. The Monsters are fighting to get into the playoffs, and the Avs brass doesn’t want to ruin that chance by pulling a goalie up. The Avs brass also thinks both goalies can learn more from the experience of battling for a playoff spot, than by playing meaningless games. Most of the other call ups have been due to injury, so as long as Budaj and Razor are healthy it’s better for our goalie prospects to play in an atmosphere where the games actually mater. I have no idea if that’s the correct way to do it, but that’s their thinking.

whiteice

It’s already been explained why the Avs aren’t pulling up the goalies. The Monsters are fighting to get into the playoffs, and the Avs brass doesn’t want to ruin that chance by pulling a goalie up. The Avs brass also thinks both goalies can learn more from the experience of battling for a playoff spot, than by playing meaningless games. Most of the other call ups have been due to injury, so as long as Budaj and Razor are healthy it’s better for our goalie prospects to play in an atmosphere where the games actually mater. I have no idea if that’s the correct way to do it, but that’s their thinking.

Rachel

I don’t think the avs are tanking, I just don’t think they are doing anything to try especially hard to win. For instance, the rash of injuries. I have no doubt the players are initially injured, but do I believe for instance that Footer could come back if we need him, absolutely but why should he? He’s played hard for us this year so why risk further injury and make him play?

I think if they were tanking, #1 they would put Budaj in for every game, he’s more reliable statistically for a loss than Raycroft is and I would create an injury for Lappy and Hejduk and (well it’s too late now) but Smyth. I would email all ticket holders and tell them there will be 3 or 4 extra promotional nights next year. You can’t tell them not to pay for these games, that would prove they were tanking, but you can make them feel better for being forced to watch this team.

Oh and I don’t believe Joe will retire, I don’t think he wants to go out like this.

Rachel

I don’t think the avs are tanking, I just don’t think they are doing anything to try especially hard to win. For instance, the rash of injuries. I have no doubt the players are initially injured, but do I believe for instance that Footer could come back if we need him, absolutely but why should he? He’s played hard for us this year so why risk further injury and make him play?

I think if they were tanking, #1 they would put Budaj in for every game, he’s more reliable statistically for a loss than Raycroft is and I would create an injury for Lappy and Hejduk and (well it’s too late now) but Smyth. I would email all ticket holders and tell them there will be 3 or 4 extra promotional nights next year. You can’t tell them not to pay for these games, that would prove they were tanking, but you can make them feel better for being forced to watch this team.

Oh and I don’t believe Joe will retire, I don’t think he wants to go out like this.

Brett

Eric hit the nail on the head with the return of Granato as head coach being the start of the tankage. Great insight there by adding Raycroft and Tucker to the mix and allowing David Jones to replace Bruno…wait, that didn’t pan out too well did it?

Injuries are a part of the professional sports world. I don’t want to hear how injuries are the reason for this team being the ultimate suck that they are. It’s coaching, bottom line. Want proof look at the Western Conference leading San Jose Sharks…they too have been plagued with injuries and they LEAD the conference. Also, regarding these “injuries” why on earth are we not doing anything training staff and strength/conditioning wise to better equip and protect our players from injuries? Why is it that we have the most imcompetent staffing selections? Oh, wait I can tell you that…it’s because FG would rather save pennies than continue to put out a competitive, top-notch, elite product that Avalanche fans were accustomed to. Or is that because we have an inept owner who treats this franchise like a piggy bank to subsidize his pipe dream of getting an NBA championship? Silly Avalanche fans, you’re bankrolling the Nuggets championship dreams!

Regardless of tanking, injuries or whatever you wanna call it–Granato and Giggy need to be handed pink slips. I’ve said before, and I’m sure I’ll say it a thousand times over–Granato couldn’t get the job done with EIGHT all-stars, what makes anyone think he could have done it with this bunch of lunch-pailers, rookies, and skid marks (Tucker, Raycroft)? And why is making the necessary economic moves so difficult for you Giggy? You were brought here by Pierre himself because you were the “guy” to get things done in the age of Salary Cap.

The only thing positive I can say is that on April 11th, I’ll be at the game and I’m actually looking forward to two things. Seeing some of these new kids come up and take a crack at stealing Tucker’s job. And the fact that this will be the farewell tour of Tony “All Ya Gotta Do Is Grind” Granato. See ya coach!

Brett

Eric hit the nail on the head with the return of Granato as head coach being the start of the tankage. Great insight there by adding Raycroft and Tucker to the mix and allowing David Jones to replace Bruno…wait, that didn’t pan out too well did it?

Injuries are a part of the professional sports world. I don’t want to hear how injuries are the reason for this team being the ultimate suck that they are. It’s coaching, bottom line. Want proof look at the Western Conference leading San Jose Sharks…they too have been plagued with injuries and they LEAD the conference. Also, regarding these “injuries” why on earth are we not doing anything training staff and strength/conditioning wise to better equip and protect our players from injuries? Why is it that we have the most imcompetent staffing selections? Oh, wait I can tell you that…it’s because FG would rather save pennies than continue to put out a competitive, top-notch, elite product that Avalanche fans were accustomed to. Or is that because we have an inept owner who treats this franchise like a piggy bank to subsidize his pipe dream of getting an NBA championship? Silly Avalanche fans, you’re bankrolling the Nuggets championship dreams!

Regardless of tanking, injuries or whatever you wanna call it–Granato and Giggy need to be handed pink slips. I’ve said before, and I’m sure I’ll say it a thousand times over–Granato couldn’t get the job done with EIGHT all-stars, what makes anyone think he could have done it with this bunch of lunch-pailers, rookies, and skid marks (Tucker, Raycroft)? And why is making the necessary economic moves so difficult for you Giggy? You were brought here by Pierre himself because you were the “guy” to get things done in the age of Salary Cap.

The only thing positive I can say is that on April 11th, I’ll be at the game and I’m actually looking forward to two things. Seeing some of these new kids come up and take a crack at stealing Tucker’s job. And the fact that this will be the farewell tour of Tony “All Ya Gotta Do Is Grind” Granato. See ya coach!

John Lesh

They sure better be tanking. There is still a reason to watch Avs games, to cheer on the other team. The Avs are only 5 points back of the John Tavares Championship!

John Lesh

They sure better be tanking. There is still a reason to watch Avs games, to cheer on the other team. The Avs are only 5 points back of the John Tavares Championship!

FJScott

Hey Dater,
When Joe does retire, what do you think his residency plans will be? Has Denver become his home or will he head back to Vancouver?

FJScott

Hey Dater,
When Joe does retire, what do you think his residency plans will be? Has Denver become his home or will he head back to Vancouver?

Adrian Dater

Probably both

Adrian Dater

Probably both

GO DU

Dater,
Have you heard any updates on Bozak?

GO DU

Dater,
Have you heard any updates on Bozak?

Ryan S

I think when some people see the word “tanking” that they think the coaches are telling the players not to play hard. I don’t think that would ever happen. But I definitely think that if we were in contention for that 8th playoff spot there would be some currently “injured” players who would be in the lineup. The tank job is done by playing a lineup that seems to be 50% players up from Lake Erie. And I guess I’m ok with that, the strategy is reasonable for long term success, but it sure stings now as I fast forward the Tivo through the 3rd period for every game.

Ryan S

I think when some people see the word “tanking” that they think the coaches are telling the players not to play hard. I don’t think that would ever happen. But I definitely think that if we were in contention for that 8th playoff spot there would be some currently “injured” players who would be in the lineup. The tank job is done by playing a lineup that seems to be 50% players up from Lake Erie. And I guess I’m ok with that, the strategy is reasonable for long term success, but it sure stings now as I fast forward the Tivo through the 3rd period for every game.

Adrian Dater

No, haven’t heard of much regarding Bozak.

Adrian Dater

No, haven’t heard of much regarding Bozak.

GO DU

I agree Ryan. Like AD said, there is far too much risk in any of the higher ups throwing out any explicit direction to “tank” the season. You start telling players to hold back (especially when several of those players won’t be on this team next season), and word about it is going to get out pretty quickly. Yeah, the Avs aren’t putting their best out there. That’s understandable. The best thing they can do from an organizational standpoint is to hold out guys that are banged up and reduce the risk of more serious injury, and evaluate some future prospects. Wins are going to be tough to come by right now. There’s no conspiracy here, just a struggling hockey team with much better days ahead.

GO DU

I agree Ryan. Like AD said, there is far too much risk in any of the higher ups throwing out any explicit direction to “tank” the season. You start telling players to hold back (especially when several of those players won’t be on this team next season), and word about it is going to get out pretty quickly. Yeah, the Avs aren’t putting their best out there. That’s understandable. The best thing they can do from an organizational standpoint is to hold out guys that are banged up and reduce the risk of more serious injury, and evaluate some future prospects. Wins are going to be tough to come by right now. There’s no conspiracy here, just a struggling hockey team with much better days ahead.

James

They aren’t tanking it. Anyone who thinks so is an idiot….the Islanders used Brendan Witt (0 goals this season) in the shootout last week. I don’t see us using Scott Hannan in the shootout.

Who expects us to win? Right now were down to Liles and Hejduk trying to carry our whole team. Both centers have missed the whopping majority of the year, 4 of our 6 defenseman are injured, and we have the worst goalie tandem in the league.

So boo hoo, Coyote and Islander fans (and management!). Get a tissue.

April 14th is my birthday….which means the Avs are going to fall as far as possible in the lottery.

James

They aren’t tanking it. Anyone who thinks so is an idiot….the Islanders used Brendan Witt (0 goals this season) in the shootout last week. I don’t see us using Scott Hannan in the shootout.

Who expects us to win? Right now were down to Liles and Hejduk trying to carry our whole team. Both centers have missed the whopping majority of the year, 4 of our 6 defenseman are injured, and we have the worst goalie tandem in the league.

So boo hoo, Coyote and Islander fans (and management!). Get a tissue.

April 14th is my birthday….which means the Avs are going to fall as far as possible in the lottery.

Mutts fan

As a Coyotes fan, the only thing I’m upset about is that you guys are tanking better than we are. We keep winning all these games that mean nothing against teams that by rights we ought to lose to by double digits, whereas you guys are square on top of the Tavares/Hedman raffle by now.

The fact that our team NEEDS a star-caliber prospect more than you do only makes it worse that we’ve remembered how to win at the worst possible time. :)

Gretzky can’t even tank right… sigh.

Mutts fan

As a Coyotes fan, the only thing I’m upset about is that you guys are tanking better than we are. We keep winning all these games that mean nothing against teams that by rights we ought to lose to by double digits, whereas you guys are square on top of the Tavares/Hedman raffle by now.

The fact that our team NEEDS a star-caliber prospect more than you do only makes it worse that we’ve remembered how to win at the worst possible time. :)

Gretzky can’t even tank right… sigh.

Mike

This accusation is coming from an organization putting in a goalie with ZERO starts?

Mike

This accusation is coming from an organization putting in a goalie with ZERO starts?

AvsFan

The most excitement we could get right now would be the signing of Bozak. Please get him, FG!

AvsFan

The most excitement we could get right now would be the signing of Bozak. Please get him, FG!

D L

The last time this organization was accused of tanking was the year the Nordiques drafted Eric Lindros. Trading him to the Flyers landed Forsberg and several other pieces around which many successful Avalanche seasons were built. So I say, “Tank away!” Of course, back in the Nordiques’ era, they drafted first a few years in a row (Sundin, Nolan and Lindros I believe), a privilege that was guaranteed by finishing last – no lottery then.

To some extent, every team that trades away important players at the trade deadline is essentially waving the white flag and “tanking”. A rash of injuries (and pseudo-injuries) necessitating so many minor league call-ups just enhances the tanking process. Tavares or Hedman would certainly look good in the burgundy and blue next year. Unless of course they decided to pull a Lindros and not show up.

D L

The last time this organization was accused of tanking was the year the Nordiques drafted Eric Lindros. Trading him to the Flyers landed Forsberg and several other pieces around which many successful Avalanche seasons were built. So I say, “Tank away!” Of course, back in the Nordiques’ era, they drafted first a few years in a row (Sundin, Nolan and Lindros I believe), a privilege that was guaranteed by finishing last – no lottery then.

To some extent, every team that trades away important players at the trade deadline is essentially waving the white flag and “tanking”. A rash of injuries (and pseudo-injuries) necessitating so many minor league call-ups just enhances the tanking process. Tavares or Hedman would certainly look good in the burgundy and blue next year. Unless of course they decided to pull a Lindros and not show up.

D L

> This accusation is coming from an organization putting in a goalie with ZERO starts?

I guess the Avs really out-tanked the ‘Yotes considering Montoya posted a shut out. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear his team’s management deride his accomplishment by accusing the opponent of not trying.

D L

> This accusation is coming from an organization putting in a goalie with ZERO starts?

I guess the Avs really out-tanked the ‘Yotes considering Montoya posted a shut out. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear his team’s management deride his accomplishment by accusing the opponent of not trying.

James Jorgon

Does it really matter if they’re tanking it or not? Even if they were playing their guts out every night they’d still be losing 2 out of 3 games because of how shitty they are. Yes, it’s painful to watch them crash & burn like this, but at least this fiasco of a season fully exposes the ABSOLUTE incompetence of Lacroix, Giguere and Granato once and for all. No longer do these 3 clowns have a fig leaf to hide behind trying to explain away how DREADFUL this team they’ve assembled truly is.

James Jorgon

Does it really matter if they’re tanking it or not? Even if they were playing their guts out every night they’d still be losing 2 out of 3 games because of how shitty they are. Yes, it’s painful to watch them crash & burn like this, but at least this fiasco of a season fully exposes the ABSOLUTE incompetence of Lacroix, Giguere and Granato once and for all. No longer do these 3 clowns have a fig leaf to hide behind trying to explain away how DREADFUL this team they’ve assembled truly is.

James Jorgon

And let me add this—I’ve been super critical of this organization (top to bottom) since I first started posting here a couple of months ago. I feel as if I have that right since I’ve followed & rooted for this team all the way back to the Michel Bergeron days of the Quebec Nordiques. As critical as I’ve been as of late, it still sickens me to see what has transpired this season. My God, this is a 2-time Stanley Cup champion franchise that is now…WITHOUT QUESTION…the worst team in the NHL. This fall from the penthouse to the outhouse did not happen overnight either. We’ve seen a steady decline since the last Cup championship season, culminating in this half-assed, “Bozo the Clown” outfit that tries to pass itself off as the Avalanche nowadays. I’m not just disgusted with this sad excuse of a team, but I’m REALLY pissed off as well that His Highness Pierre Lacroix has sat on his fat rear end these past years doing NOTHING about it other than ceding responsibility to his handpicked butt boy Franky Giguere who has been an utter disaster. Let’s face it folks, Lacroix needs to be fired as well. His performance in the post-rules change/post-salary cap era has been CRAP, therefore he needs to go—NOW. No rebuilding effort will succeed unless he’s fired first, followed by Frankie & Granato. I think that’s pretty obvious if you look at what these “hockey geniuses” have done to this organization as of late. They’ve destroyed it. All you have to do is look at the product on the ice to confirm it.

James Jorgon

And let me add this—I’ve been super critical of this organization (top to bottom) since I first started posting here a couple of months ago. I feel as if I have that right since I’ve followed & rooted for this team all the way back to the Michel Bergeron days of the Quebec Nordiques. As critical as I’ve been as of late, it still sickens me to see what has transpired this season. My God, this is a 2-time Stanley Cup champion franchise that is now…WITHOUT QUESTION…the worst team in the NHL. This fall from the penthouse to the outhouse did not happen overnight either. We’ve seen a steady decline since the last Cup championship season, culminating in this half-assed, “Bozo the Clown” outfit that tries to pass itself off as the Avalanche nowadays. I’m not just disgusted with this sad excuse of a team, but I’m REALLY pissed off as well that His Highness Pierre Lacroix has sat on his fat rear end these past years doing NOTHING about it other than ceding responsibility to his handpicked butt boy Franky Giguere who has been an utter disaster. Let’s face it folks, Lacroix needs to be fired as well. His performance in the post-rules change/post-salary cap era has been CRAP, therefore he needs to go—NOW. No rebuilding effort will succeed unless he’s fired first, followed by Frankie & Granato. I think that’s pretty obvious if you look at what these “hockey geniuses” have done to this organization as of late. They’ve destroyed it. All you have to do is look at the product on the ice to confirm it.

Avs Girl in Phoenix

I agree that LaCroix needs to go too. As for the Coyotes, they have far more prospects than the Avs and do not NEED a top player more than the Avs do.

Avs Girl in Phoenix

I agree that LaCroix needs to go too. As for the Coyotes, they have far more prospects than the Avs and do not NEED a top player more than the Avs do.

mike

Colorado losing 8 straight games is disgusting.
The Isles play to win every nite…but i think Garth Snow gets what
the Avs are doing – and if another shootout comes up…i would let Joey MacDonald take a shot.

AVS ARE DISGUSTING.

mike

Colorado losing 8 straight games is disgusting.
The Isles play to win every nite…but i think Garth Snow gets what
the Avs are doing – and if another shootout comes up…i would let Joey MacDonald take a shot.

AVS ARE DISGUSTING.

DB

you know the old saying “the only way three people can keep a secret is if two of them are dead”. It’s next to impossible to convince 30+ highly competitive hockey players some who are stepping onto NHL ice for the first time that they should throw games. FG is the real mastermind behind the tank job. Despite the fact that something like 6 coaches have been fired across the league and FG has done nothing about his loser coach claiming that he will be evaluated at the end of the year. He made no trades before the deadline saying that we were going to pull through as the deadline approached like we did last year; when that plan failed he made only one trade that saw our most productive defenceman leave for a draft pick we traded years ago. The stage is set and all FG needs to do is to tell Granato to keep up the good work; meanwhile the endless losses drive competitive veteran hockey players crazy until they decide they need just one or two more practices to comeback from injury.
So here’s the best part. FG has made typical decisions of a GM trying to encourage a young team to greatness like sticking with a new coach who could be great, and sticking with goalies who COULD be great. So to the rest of the league who says this team is tanking I say “prove it”. The only way you can prove the intent to tank is to hear it from the horse’s mouth and FG is keeping his secrets locked down.
GOOD LUCK

by the way AD didn’t the league create the lottery specifically to combat tanking?

DB

you know the old saying “the only way three people can keep a secret is if two of them are dead”. It’s next to impossible to convince 30+ highly competitive hockey players some who are stepping onto NHL ice for the first time that they should throw games. FG is the real mastermind behind the tank job. Despite the fact that something like 6 coaches have been fired across the league and FG has done nothing about his loser coach claiming that he will be evaluated at the end of the year. He made no trades before the deadline saying that we were going to pull through as the deadline approached like we did last year; when that plan failed he made only one trade that saw our most productive defenceman leave for a draft pick we traded years ago. The stage is set and all FG needs to do is to tell Granato to keep up the good work; meanwhile the endless losses drive competitive veteran hockey players crazy until they decide they need just one or two more practices to comeback from injury.
So here’s the best part. FG has made typical decisions of a GM trying to encourage a young team to greatness like sticking with a new coach who could be great, and sticking with goalies who COULD be great. So to the rest of the league who says this team is tanking I say “prove it”. The only way you can prove the intent to tank is to hear it from the horse’s mouth and FG is keeping his secrets locked down.
GOOD LUCK

by the way AD didn’t the league create the lottery specifically to combat tanking?

Pascal P

Saying they don’t call up goalies before Lake Erie is into a playoff run is another lie thrown in the face of the fans. First they can call just one and start the other, second they already called up all the defense so as long as they don’t mean to play with 2 goalies in the crease where is the issue calling one ?
Is tanking good ? Yes and no. Yes because it might make the difference in the lottery and no because you take into a new season the last impressions of the last one and if the last impression is a 12 games losing streak….
Anyway this season was a nightmare and both Giguerre and Granato have just proven their incompetence big time. Quality is never whitnessed better than when facing adversity, there has been a lot of adversity and incopetence to overcome it….
The draft will bring a great prospect for sure but the reconstruction will be very very long if the all management doesn’t change fast.
One draft choice doesn’t make a team and if the Capials for example look so good going forward it’s not only because they drafted Ovechkin but also Green and Bourque in 2004, Backstrom, Varlamov and Neuwirth in 2006, Azner in 2007 or Fehr and Semin earlier. Rebuilding is a complete strategy and I’m not sure the Avs realized it.

Pascal P

Saying they don’t call up goalies before Lake Erie is into a playoff run is another lie thrown in the face of the fans. First they can call just one and start the other, second they already called up all the defense so as long as they don’t mean to play with 2 goalies in the crease where is the issue calling one ?
Is tanking good ? Yes and no. Yes because it might make the difference in the lottery and no because you take into a new season the last impressions of the last one and if the last impression is a 12 games losing streak….
Anyway this season was a nightmare and both Giguerre and Granato have just proven their incompetence big time. Quality is never whitnessed better than when facing adversity, there has been a lot of adversity and incopetence to overcome it….
The draft will bring a great prospect for sure but the reconstruction will be very very long if the all management doesn’t change fast.
One draft choice doesn’t make a team and if the Capials for example look so good going forward it’s not only because they drafted Ovechkin but also Green and Bourque in 2004, Backstrom, Varlamov and Neuwirth in 2006, Azner in 2007 or Fehr and Semin earlier. Rebuilding is a complete strategy and I’m not sure the Avs realized it.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.